Even before the fighter pilots of World War II became style heroes, civilian men were wearing shearling (which is leather or sheepskin with the wool attached) for its insulating qualities and its masculine appeal. The material appears in many designer collections this season, as part of a revival of classic forms of clothing such as cords and tweed jackets. What separates the new shearling styles from the coats your father may have worn in the 1970s is their cut - they have been thoroughly re-invented and slimmed down for a cool and contemporary look. But rest assured, they retain all of their tactile allure.